Covering device for a golf hole

ABSTRACT

A device (1, 1′, 1″) for covering a golf hole (2) is provided, that has a planar top side (3) and is or can be arranged inside said golf hole (2) and is designed to cover or close the golf hole (2) reversibly. This device (1, 1′, 1″) is designed and intended such that the planar top side (3) of the device (1, 1′, 1″) is aligned approximately flush with a top edge (4) of the golf hole (2).

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a device for covering a golf hole. The invention further relates to a golf hole having a device for covering the golf hole.

The objective in golf is to convey a golf ball with as few strokes as possible from a predetermined tee position into a golf hole. The golf hole is generally circular and surrounded by a special mown grass area, the so-called putting green. If the golf ball is hit by a golfer onto the putting green, then the golfer, in the following golf stroke, makes use of a special club, a so-called putter, to convey the golf ball into the golf hole.

For a successful round of golf containing as few strokes as possible, a golfer must regularly practice with the putter the associated stroke motion, so-called putting. For a successful golf stroke using the putter, not only the direction in which the golf ball is moved, but, above all, also the strength with which the golf ball is set in motion in the putting stroke is here of importance.

If the strength in the putting golf stroke, hereinafter referred as the “putt”, is too weak, then the golf ball does not reach the hole. If the strength of the putt is too strong, however, then it can happen that the golf ball, even though the correct direction was chosen, does not make its way into the hole, but travels beyond the golf hole or jumps out.

A particular difficulty is added if the putting green, between a starting point and the golf hole, is not flat, but has elevations and depressions. If the golfer aims directly from the starting point to the golf hole, then the golf ball, due to the elevations and depressions of the putting green, can deviate from the ideal line between starting point and golf hole. This deviation is referred to as the “break”.

In order to convey the golf ball into the golf hole, the golfer must identify possible breaks on the putting green and, with regard thereto, adapt the start-off direction and speed of the golf ball.

A recognized and frequently used practice method for controlling the correct weight of stroke, i.e. speed of the golf ball, in putting is as follows. The golf ball is hit with a putter from a starting point on the putting green in the direction of an imaginary (virtual) golf hole or target point. The aim of the exercise is here to bring the golf ball to a halt in a defined zone or corridor which lies, on an imaginary line between the start-off point and the target point, behind the target point or radially around the target point. This can be a zone, for instance, from 30 cm to 100 cm behind or around the target point.

If the golf ball comes to a halt or rest in this zone, then it is assumed that, given a correctly chosen direction, it would also have had the right strength to make its way into a real golf hole. The golfer would hence have to have correctly identified all possible breaks which the golf ball experiences on its path to the golf hole and to have correctly chosen the speed and direction of the golf ball.

As the target point, and hence as a virtual golf hole, a so-called golf tee, a golf pitchfork or the like is generally used, which are stuck into the putting green and are lined up as the target by the golfer when practicing.

A drawback with the previously applied practice method is that the lining-up of the target, i.e. of the (virtual) golf hole, is not realized on the basis of a real golf hole, but on the basis of an imitation, for example in the form of a golf tee or a flat disk which is placed onto the real golf hole in order to cover this. This creates the drawback for the golfer that the conditions as he finds them when playing a normal (real) golf hole can be imitated only very loosely, and hence inadequately.

Furthermore, when a golf tee, for instance, is used as a target aid or virtual golf hole, the golfer when practicing the putting stroke, given a perfect direction of the golf ball, can hit the golf tee directly with the golf ball, so that the golf ball is deflected in its motional direction and hence is unnaturally or unrealistically influenced. The golfer would therefore always have to target something next to the golf tee in order to practice the weight of stroke or the length of his putting stroke.

If the golfer, on the other hand, practices with a conventional golf hole, he receives no feedback on whether the golf ball would have come to rest in the previously described corridor, since it might drop into the hole before it can come to a halt.

SUMMARY

The object of the invention is to define a device with which the practicing of putts can be improved. In this context, it is in particular an object of the invention to make the practice situation on a putting green as realistic as possible and, at the same time, to receive feedback on an actual rolling distance of the golf ball when putting. By “actual” is here meant a distance which the golf ball, during putting on the putting green, covers without obstacle, i.e. without golf hole, golf tee, an imitation hole or the like, until coming to a halt.

This object is achieved by a device for covering a golf hole, having one or more features of the invention, and by a golf hole having a device for covering the golf hole, according to the invention. Advantageous refinements are described below and in the claims.

A device according to the invention for covering a golf hole has a planar top side and is or can be arranged within the golf hole. It is configured to reversibly cover or close off the golf hole, wherein the device is configured and designed such that the planar top side of the device terminates or is aligned roughly flush with a top edge of the golf hole. What is important is that the planar top side of the device is arranged only marginally higher than the top side of the golf hole, i.e. the device may protrude only marginally over the top edge of the golf hole.

The invention is hence based on the idea of defining a device which can be used to reversibly cover or close off the golf hole, so that the golfer, when practicing the putting stroke, can be used a realistic target—namely the golf hole itself—though without the golf ball being able to make its way into the hole, in order to be able to implement the above-described practice method. The closure or covering of the golf hole is here realized reversibly, so that the golf hole, after the withdrawal or removal of the device, can again serve its normal purpose.

If the golf hole is covered or closed off by the device according to the invention, the golf ball moves over the golf hole with the device according to the invention as if no golf hole were present. The golfer thereby receives an extremely realistic indication of the stroke force applied by him to the golf ball or of a stroke length of the putting stroke. Furthermore, no possible obstacle confronts the golf ball, as is the case with the previously customary use of a golf tee as an orientation aid or target aid. Particularly advantageously, the device according to the invention can be used to practice choosing the correct speed of the golf ball in putting, in particular when the putting green possesses elevations and depressions and the golf ball experiences breaks as it traverses the putting green.

The planar top side of the device can have special surface properties which are comparable with those of a grass variety which is usually employed on a putting green. Advantageously, the surface properties of the device are adaptable, so that the device can be adapted to different putting greens, in particular in terms of the speed of the putting green (Stimp value). An unwanted influencing of a rolling behavior of the golf ball as it crosses the device can thereby be reduced or virtually precluded.

A further advantage is provided in the fact that the golfer can receive an acoustic feedback when the golf ball rolls over the planar top side of the device. As a result of this acoustic feedback, the golfer can experience a motivation which can further boost the success of his practice.

Below, the device is inserted in a golf hole, i.e. it is in a mounted state, when the terms “bottom side” or “top side” or “down” or “up” are used.

Advantageously, the device is produced from one or more materials of relatively low weight in order for the device to be easily arranged in the golf hole or removed again from the golf hole, and in order not to burden the player when carrying said device.

In an advantageous refinement of the invention, the device comprises a closure component, which is configured to close off the golf hole, and a holding component, which is configured to hold the device in a predetermined position in the golf hole. What is here important is that the golf hole can be completely closed off, so that the golf ball cannot make its way into the golf hole. By virtue of the secure holding of the device in a predetermined position in the golf hole, the golf ball, as it crosses the top side of the device, is influenced as little as possible in terms of its direction and speed of travel, because the device cannot change its position, in particular as a result of contact with the golf ball.

In particular, a planar top side of the closure component can have special surface properties which are comparable with those of a grass variety which is usually employed on a putting green. Advantageously, the surface properties of the closure component are adaptable, so that the closure component, and hence the device, can be adapted to different putting greens.

Preferably, the closure component comprises a recess for raising the device out of the golf hole. As a result of the recess for the raising of the device, the device can easily be withdrawn again from the golf hole in order that the golf hole can be used again in accordance with its original purpose. Preferably, the recess constitutes a borehole, most preferably a borehole suitable for receiving a golf tee. The raising of the device using the recess or borehole which can be suitable for receiving a golf tee constitutes a particularly simple way of removing the device again from the golf hole. Especially the withdrawal or raising of the device using a golf tee is particularly advantageous, because each golfer generally carries a golf tee with him during play and therefore has the golf tee readily at hand.

The recess can be arranged, without limitation, in a middle region or marginal region of the closure component. For instance, the recess can also be configured such that the golfer can reach into the recess with a so-called pitchfork and thereby guide the device out of or into the hole.

In a particularly preferred refinement of the device according to the invention, the device comprises an additional stiffening component for increasing the rigidity of the closure component. It can thereby be ensured that the closure component cannot bend, distort or otherwise deform in an undesirable manner. The device preferably comprises a first stiffening rib and a second stiffening rib, which stiffening ribs are arranged roughly in the shape of a cross and which stiffening ribs are most preferably arranged diametrically with respect to a center axis of the device. A particularly efficient, material-saving type of stiffening of the closure component can hence be realized.

Preferably, the stiffening component has a third, in particular annular, stiffening rib, which is most preferably arranged concentrically to a center point of the closure component. Most preferably, the stiffening component has a fourth stiffening rib, which, in the form of a multi-interrupted, in particular quadruply interrupted, ring comprising partial ribs, is preferably arranged concentrically to the center point of the closure component. As a result, the rigidity of the closure component can be further increased.

Preferably, the device, in particular the holding component, is configured to generate a holding force in a radially outward direction against a wall of the golf hole by spring action. As a result of the holding force generated in a radially outward direction against a wall of the golf hole by spring action, the device, in particular the holding component of the device, can easily be held within the golf hole in a specific position. The position of the device within the golf hole is of importance because the planar top side of the device should be aligned roughly flush with a top edge of the golf hole in order that the golf ball is influenced as little as possible in its motion and maintains the lined-up target direction. If the device is too high or too deep in the golf hole, the golf ball, in its motion, would bang into an artificial obstacle, whereby its target direction could be unintentionally influenced.

In a refinement of the device, the holding component is configured in the form of a spring ring having at least two spring legs, which spring ring is circumferentially at least singly interrupted. It is also possible to configure the holding component as a spring ring which has a plurality of gaps or more than two spring legs.

Preferably, a material of the circumferentially at least singly interrupted spring ring is intrinsically resiliently elastic, so that the holding component can be used in the manner of a snap ring in order to generate a holding force which acts in a radially outward direction on the wall of the golf hole. The holding component can hence be held particularly easily in a specific position within the golf hole.

Preferably, the holding component has an additional spring leg for clamping the holding component, which spring leg is preferably arranged in a region lying opposite the gap in the spring ring or in the two spring legs. As a result of the additional spring leg, the holding action of the holding component can be further boosted, and intrinsically non-resiliently elastic materials can also be used. Moreover, the additional spring leg can serve to slightly vary an external diameter of the holding component in order to be able, where necessary, to adapt the device to a variation in the diameter of the golf hole, as can arise, for example, through the insertion of an inner sleeve for protection of the hole wall.

Particularly preferred, the holding component and the closure component are configured as separate constituent parts and are connectable, preferably detachably, to one another. It is thereby also possible to use different closure components without the whole device having each time to be lifted out of the golf hole and reintroduced. Without limiting the invention thereto, different colors or materials, for instance, in particular with changing surface properties, can be used for the closure component so as to be able to make the practice even more flexible.

The holding component can here have a projection protruding upward from the holding component in the axial direction of the device, in particular a spigot, preferably at least two, most preferably at least three. The projection is configured and designed to engage in at least one corresponding recess, in particular a borehole, in the closure component.

Similarly, in the reverse acting direction it is possible that on the closure component is provided at least one projection, in particular spigot, protruding in the axial direction of the device, and in the holding component a corresponding number of receptacles, in particular boreholes.

The at least one projection, in particular spigot, and the at least one corresponding receptacle, preferably borehole, can be arranged (respectively in pairs) at any chosen points on the holding component or closure component. The holding component and the closure component can additionally be bonded, clamped or welded to one another in a region of the projection and of the corresponding receptacle in order to improve a connection of the two components and, as far as possible, to prevent an undesirable separation.

By use of the desired projections and receptacles, a connection of the holding component to the closure component is able to be realized particularly easily. In the case of two or more projections and corresponding receptacles, it can here additionally be prevented that the holding component and the closure component can twist relative to one another or be twisted.

In an advantageous refinement of the device, the holding component comprises at least two, preferably at least three, most preferably at least four, mutually spaced spring legs, which are preferably arranged, respectively in pairs, diametrically with respect to a center axis of the device and point downward away from the holding component in the direction of the center axis of the device, and which are configured and designed to generate a radial holding force by deformation of the spring legs. As a result of the spring legs, a radially outwardly acting holding force can easily be generated onto a wall of the golf hole.

The holding component and the closure component can also be jointly configured as a single-part element. In this context, it can be advantageous that the whole device can be produced or handled more stably and more easily than if holding component and closure component are configured as a multipart element.

In a preferable embodiment, an external diameter of the holding component is somewhat greater than an internal diameter of the golf hole. In other words, the holding component has an oversize in relation to the golf hole. As a result, the holding component or the device can be clamped into the golf hole, wherein the holding component exerts a radial holding force on the wall of the golf hole.

In a refinement of the device, the closure component has in a marginal region at least one projection, which is configured and designed to rest on the putting green. The projection is preferably provided circumferentially on the closure component. It is also possible, however, for a plurality of mutually separated projections to be arranged on the closure component. What is important is that the projections are suitable for positioning the device in the axial direction in the golf hole. A radial dimension of the projection or projections can measure—without limitation—about 5 mm, in order that the device rests securely on the green.

The provision of at least one projection on the closure component can be realized, additionally or alternatively to an embodiment of the holding component, as a spring means. Where the holding component is configured to generate a radially outwardly acting spring force, the projection can additionally serve for an exact axial positioning of the device in the golf ball and supplement the spring action of the holding component.

An (axial) height of the projection is here advantageously so small that a rolling motion of the golf ball is only marginally influenced. Without limitation thereto, the height of the projection can measure roughly 0.5 mm. In a (radial) marginal region, the projection can preferably have a ramp-like, radially running bevel, which serves for a least possible influencing of the rolling motion. Particularly preferred, the transition between the at least one projection and the rest of the closure component is plane or flat, so that as far as possible no obstacle is presented to the golf ball as it rolls over the device.

In addition to the projection of the closure component, the holding component can have a radial oversize in relation to the golf hole, so that the holding component exerts a radial holding force on the wall of the golf hole.

Particularly preferred, the device, at least the closure component, is formed substantially of a transparent material or a plurality of transparent materials. As a result, the golfer, when practicing, can use as a target aid a golf hole which is as realistic as possible, in which golf hole the device is arranged. It is also possible for only the closure component to be formed of one or more transparent materials, and not the holding component.

In addition, for a holding of the device within the golf hole and for the generation of a holding force acting radially outwardly on a wall of the golf hole, can be used a closure component which comprises at least two mutually displaceable closure elements. For instance, the closure component can be configured in the style of a protective cap as is known for the protection of lenses in reflex cameras or the like, and in which the two mutually displaceable closure elements can be manually displaced in relation to one another in order to reduce a diameter of the protective cap. The protective cap is placed with reduced diameter onto the lens and the two closure elements are released. Following the release, the closure elements of the protective cap move in the direction of their original position and thereby generate a radial holding force onto a circumferential stop arranged on the lens. As a result, the protective cap is held on the lens.

Similarly, it is possible to provide a re-closeable recess in the planar top side of the device, which recess can be closed off, for instance by a pivotable flap. The flap can here be tilted upward so as to engage in the recess in order to remove the device from the golf hole or place it in the golf hole. If the device is in the golf hole, then the recess can be reclosed, so that the device can be used as intended.

Preferably, the device according to the invention is used in a golf hole to cover the golf hole.

In the golf hole can be inserted a cylindrical component, preferably a bushing. The external diameter thereof preferably corresponds to a diameter of the golf hole, so that the bushing bears against the wall of the golf hole. Bushings of this type are generally used to fasten the so-called flagstick on the putting green in the golf hole. Upwardly in the axial direction, the bushing forms an (axial) shoulder, which is encompassing in the circumferential direction. The bushing can here have a lesser (axial) height than the golf hole. A distance between the top edge of the bushing, i.e. the shoulder, and the top edge of the golf hole can measure, for instance, 25 mm.

The device according to the direction is here advantageously configured such that it can fully fulfil its intended function if an axial extent of the holding component roughly corresponds to the length of the distance between the shoulder of the bushing and the top edge of the golf hole. The device does here not necessarily have to rest on the shoulder of the bushing or be in contact therewith.

In an upper region of the golf hole, with the bushing inserted, can additionally be arranged a sleeve, which acts as the wall of the golf hole in the region and which rests on the shoulder of the bushing. The sleeve can bear flush against the wall of the golf hole and have roughly the same wall thickness as the bushing, for instance 1 mm. It is also possible for a wall thickness of the sleeve to be less or greater than a wall thickness of the bushing. The sleeve can be designed such that in its axial extent it reaches from the shoulder of the bushing up to the top edge of the golf hole.

The device, in particular the holding component, is preferably configured to exert a radial holding force on the sleeve arranged in an upper region of the golf hole, or, where the sleeve is missing, on the wall of the golf hole.

Particularly preferred, a projection of the closure component of the device rests on the putting green surrounding the golf hole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further preferred embodiments and features of the invention emerge from the following description of illustrative embodiments and from the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a bottom view of a device according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the device according to the invention from FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows an isometric representation of the device according to the invention from FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 shows a cross section through a golf hole having the device according to the invention from FIGS. 1 to 3;

FIG. 5 shows a detailed enlargement of the region B from FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of a first alternative device according to the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a top view of the device according to the invention from FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows an isometric representation of the device according to the invention from FIGS. 6 and 7;

FIG. 9 shows a bottom view of a second alternative device according to the invention;

FIG. 10 shows a top view of the device according to the invention from FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows an isometric representation of the device according to the invention from FIGS. 9 and 10;

FIG. 12 shows a cross section through a golf hole having a third alternative device according to the invention; and

FIG. 13 shows an isometric representation of the device according to the invention from FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In FIG. 1, a device 1′ according to the invention is represented in a bottom view. The device 1′ comprises a closure component 5 in the form of a cap 5, and a holding component 6, which comprises four spring legs 16, 16 a, 16 b, 16 c. Furthermore, the device 1′ comprises a stiffening component 8 having three stiffening ribs 8 a, 8 b, 8 c.

The circular cap 5 has roughly the diameter of a customary circular golf hole 2, which can clearly be seen in FIG. 4. Without limiting the invention hereto, the diameter of the circular cap 5 can measure roughly 108 mm. The cap 5 is hence suitable for covering an opening of the golf hole 2 and of hence closing off the golf hole 2. In a marginal region of the cap 5 are arranged four circumferentially running webs 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d, which are separated from one another by the spring legs 16, 16 a, 16 b, 16 c arranged therebetween in the circumferential direction of the cap 5 and the function of which is explained with reference to the description of FIG. 4.

In a center point M of the cap 5, the cap 5 is provided with a recess 7 in the form of a borehole 7. The borehole 7 has a diameter which enables engagement of a golf tee for the purpose of raising the device 1′ out of the golf hole 2. The diameter of the borehole 7 can measure for instance, without limitation, 5 mm. The recess 7 is not limited to the center point M of the cap 5, but can be arranged on any chosen regions of the cap 5. The provision of a plurality of recesses 7 is also possible.

The stiffening component 8 comprises a first stiffening rib 8 a, which is configured in one piece with the cap 5 and is placed on a bottom side of the cap 5. The first stiffening rib 8 a runs parallel to the cap 5, starting from a spring leg 16 a, diagonally through the center point M of the cap 5 to a spring leg 16 c arranged diametrically with respect to the center point M. Roughly orthogonally to the first stiffening rib 8 a runs a second stiffening rib 8 b, which is likewise configured in one piece with the cap 5 and is placed on the bottom side of the cap 5. In a region of the center point M of the cap 5 or of the borehole 7, the first and second stiffening rib 8 a, 8 b form a circular border of the borehole 7.

A third stiffening rib 8 c is likewise configured in one piece with the cap 5 and bears against the bottom side thereof. The third stiffening rib 8 c is of circular configuration and arranged concentrically to the center point M of the cap 5. A diameter of the circle formed by the third stiffening rib 8 c is roughly half as large in measurement as a diameter of the cap 5.

A fourth stiffening rib 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d is configured, in the form of circumferentially quadruply interrupted ring comprising four partial ribs 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d, in one piece with the cap 5, and bears against the bottom side thereof. The fourth stiffening rib runs on an outer edge of the cap 5 and is interrupted in its circumferential course by the four spring legs 16, 16 a, 16 b, 16 c.

The stiffening ribs 8 a, 8 b, 8 c, 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d increase a rigidity of the cap 5 in order to protect it from undesirable warps, distortions or other deformations. It lies within the scope of the invention to vary the geometric relationships between the stiffening ribs 8 a, 8 b, 8 c, 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d or to reduce or increase the number of stiffening ribs.

The spring legs 16, 16 a, 16 b, 16 c are configured in one piece with the cap 5 and on its peripheral side are arranged diametrically with respect to the center point M of the cap 5 at roughly the same distance apart (in the peripheral direction). A more precise description of the spring legs 16, 16 a, 16 b, 16 c is made with reference to the description of FIG. 3.

The device 1′ exclusively comprises plastics materials, without, however, being limited thereto. For instance, the cap 5 can also be made of glass. The cap 5, the stiffening ribs 8 a, 8 b, 8 c, 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d and the spring legs 16, 16 a, 16 b, 16 c are in the device 1′ made of a transparent plastics material. The spring legs 16, 16 a, 16 b, 16 c can also however be made of an optically non-transparent plastics material or the like. As a result of the transparency of the device 1′, in particular of the cap 5, it becomes easier for a golfer, when the device 1′ is provided in the golf hole 2, to practice a putting stroke with the help of a realistic target aid, namely the golf hole 2 itself.

FIG. 2 shows a circular top side 3 of the cap 5 or of the device 1′. On the outer rim of the top side 3 of the cap 5 can be seen the four spring legs 16, 16 a, 16 b, 16 c, which project radially outward over an outer rim of the top side 3 of the cap 5 when the device 1′ is not inserted in the golf hole 2. Furthermore, in FIG. 2 is represented the borehole 7 arranged in the region of the center point M of the cap 5, which borehole is configured and designed for the removal of the device 1′ from the golf hole 2.

A surface of the top side 3 of the cap 5 is smooth in order to offer least possible resistance to a golf ball as it rolls over the device 1′, and hence to influence its travel behavior as little as possible. The top side 3 of the device 1′ can also however have special surface properties which are comparable with those of a grass variety which is usually employed on a putting green. The surface properties of the device 1′ can also be adaptable in order to adapt the device 1′ to different putting greens, for instance by an exchangeable coating.

In FIG. 3, an isometric representation of the device 1′ is portrayed—from a direction of view obliquely onto the bottom side of the device 1′. The spring legs 16, 16 a, 16 b, 16 c are configured in one piece with the cap 5 and protrude from the cap 5 in the direction of a center axis MA of the device 1′ or of the cap 5. The spring legs 16, 16 a, 16 b, 16 c are configured in roughly structurally identically form as planar plates, which have a roughly constant radius of curvature roughly corresponding to a radius of curvature of the outer rim of the cap 5 or of the golf hole 2. A length of the spring legs 16, 16 a, 16 b, 16 c in the axial direction, i.e. in the direction of the center axis MA, is roughly eight times as large as a thickness of the cap 5 (in the direction of the center axis MA).

When the device 1′ is not inserted in the golf hole 2, the spring legs 16, 16 a, 16 b, 16 c radially overhang an outer (radial) rim of the cap 5. The spring legs 16, 16 a, 16 b, 16 c are configured such that they can be moved radially inward, against a spring force, by a suitable external force effect. If the external force effect ceases, then the spring legs 16, 16 a, 16 b, 16 c move back into the rest setting shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

FIG. 4 shows the device 1′ in its mounted state in the golf hole 2. In the golf hole 2 is inserted a bushing 27. Bushings 27 of this type are generally used to fasten the so-called flagstick of a practice flag on the putting green in the golf hole 2. A vertical extent of the bushing 27 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the golf hole 2 is less than a vertical extent (height) of the golf hole 2. The bushing 27 thereby forms a fully circumferentially running shoulder 18. A wall thickness of the bushing measures roughly 3 mm, without being limited thereto.

In an upper region 19 of the golf hole 2 is arranged a cylindrical sleeve 20, which rests with an (axial) flange 23 on the shoulder 18 of the bushing 27, viewed in the axial direction of the golf hole 2. A wall thickness of the sleeve 20 can measure, without limitation, roughly 1 mm. The sleeve 20 serves to support a wall 9 of the golf hole 2 and is intended to prevent damage to a top edge 4 of the golf hole 2 upon a usage of the golf hole 2, in particular upon the insertion of the flagstick, or under frequent usage on the putting green.

The radial overhang of the spring legs 16, 16 a, 16 b, 16 c is dimensioned such that when the device 1′ is inserted into the golf hole 2 through the wall 9 of the golf hole 2, more precisely through the sleeve 20, a radial force is exerted on the spring legs 16, 16 a, 16 b, 16 c and these are moved radially inward. In the mounted state of the device 1′ represented in FIG. 4, the spring legs 16, 16 a, 16 b, 16 c, by their design-dictated and material-dictated spring action, exert a radially outwardly directed holding force F_(hold) on the wall 9 of the golf hole 2, more precisely on the (not necessarily present) sleeve 20. The length of the spring legs 16, 16 a, 16 b, 16 c is here dimensioned such that the spring legs 16, 16 a, 16 b, 16 c do not rest on the shoulder 18 of the bushing 27. By the generated radial holding force F_(hold), the device 1′ is held in a defined axial position within the golf hole 2.

In FIG. 4 is shown that the (axial) length of the spring legs 16, 16 a, 16 b, 16 c is configured such that the planar top side 3 of the device 1′ is aligned roughly flush with the top edge 4 of the golf hole 2. In this way, it is ensured that the motional behavior of the golf ball as it rolls over the top side 3 of the device 1′ is influenced as little as possible. It is also possible, however, for the top side 3 of the device 1′ to be arranged somewhat below or above the top edge 4 of the golf hole 2.

A detailed enlargement of a detail B from FIG. 4 is represented in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 shows, in particular, the sleeve 20 which is inserted in the upper region 19 of the golf hole 2 and which rests with the flange 23 axially on the shoulder 18 of the bushing 27. Similarly, FIG. 5 shows that the spring legs 16, 16 a, 16 b, 16 c, (or the spring leg 16 representing all four spring legs 16, 16 a, 16 b, 16 c), generate the holding force F_(hold) directed radially outward onto the wall 9 of the golf hole 2 or onto the sleeve 20.

In FIG. 6 a first alternative embodiment of a device 1″ according to the invention is shown. For reasons of clarity, only the differences from the embodiment of the device 1′ according to FIGS. 1 to 5 are examined. FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of the device 1″ with the four spring legs 16, 16 a, 16 b, 16 c of the holding device 6 and with the cap 5 configured in one piece with the spring legs 16, 16 a, 16 b, 16 c. In contrast to the device 1′ according to FIGS. 1 to 5, the device 1″ has no stiffening component 8 for increasing the rigidity of the closure component 5 or of the cap 5. The cap 5 is in the present embodiment configured such that it has a high rigidity. This can be realized, for instance, by the choice of material, as well as by a sufficiently large thickness of the cap 5. The device 1″ also has no webs 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d.

FIG. 7 shows a top view of the first alternative embodiment of the device 1″ according to FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 shows an isometric representation from a direction of view obliquely onto the bottom side of the device 1″. A representation of the device 1″ in the golf hole 2 is dispensed with for reasons of clarity. It should merely be pointed out that the device 1″ can be arranged in the golf hole 2 in a manner comparable with the device 1′.

The device 1″ can be made of the same transparent (plastics) material as the previously described device 1′. Like also the device 1′, the device 1″ is, however, not limited thereto.

In FIG. 9, a second alternative embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention is represented in a bottom view. For reasons of clarity, only the differences from the embodiments of the devices 1′, 1″ according to FIGS. 1 to 8 are examined. In contrast to the two previously described devices 1′, 1″, the holding component 6 comprises no four mutually spaced apart spring legs 16, 16 a, 16 b, 16 c, but instead comprises a spring ring having two semi-circularly configured spring legs 10 a, 10 b, which on one side 13 of the (imaginary) ring are connected to an additional spring leg 11. On that side 12 of the (imaginary) ring which lies radially opposite the additional spring leg 11, the (imaginary) ring has a gap 12. A stiffening component 8 is not represented in FIG. 9, but can be provided without departing from the scope of the invention.

An external diameter of the semicircular spring legs 10 a, 10 b of the device 1 is greater than the diameter of the golf hole 2. If the two spring legs 10 a, 10 b are pressed together by external force effect, i.e. the gap 12 becomes smaller, and the device 1 is inserted into the golf hole, the spring legs 10 a, 10 b, by virtue of their design and a suitable choice of material, generate a holding force F_(hold) directed radially outward (onto the wall 9 of the golf hole 2), which force can be used to secure the device 1 in the golf hole 2. The additional spring leg 11 reinforces or replaces the spring action of the holding component 6 and makes it easier to fit the device 1 in the golf hole 2. Furthermore, the additional spring leg 11 serves for a radially centered arrangement of the holding component 6 in the golf hole 2 where there is no sleeve 20 inserted in the golf hole 2.

The device 1 additionally comprises a support component 22 arranged in the region 13 of the additional tension spring 11 inside the ring 10, and two support surfaces 21 a, 21 b, which project inward from the ring 10 and are mutually spaced apart on the ring 10. Both support surfaces 21 a, 21 b and the support component 22 are configured in one piece with the ring 10. The support component 22 is configured in the form of a radially inward tapering triangle having a notch in an inner region and serves, on the one hand, to support the cap 5 in the unmounted and also in the mounted state and, on the other hand, to stiffen the region 13 around the additional tension spring 11. The two support surfaces 21 a, 1 b are of semicircular configuration and serve to support the cap 5.

FIG. 10 shows the device 1 in a top view. It can clearly be seen that the ring 10 and the support surfaces 21 a, 21 b project radially outward beyond a rim of the top side 3 of the cap 5 when the device 1 is not in the mounted state in the golf hole 2. In contrast to the caps 5 of the previously disclosed devices 1′, 1″, cap 5 has three boreholes 15, 15 a, 15 b, which are arranged in a marginal region of the cap 5 and run in the axial direction through the cap 5. The cap 5 or the closure component 5, and the ring 10 or the holding component 6, are configured as separate constituent parts. By use of the three boreholes 15, 15 a, 15 b and three corresponding spigots 14, 14 a (in FIG. 11 only two of the three spigots 14, 14 a are represented), the holding component 6 and the closure component 5 are connectable to one another. Through the provision of three spigots 14 a, 14 a and three boreholes 15, 15 a 15 b, it can also be ensured that the cap 5 cannot be twisted against the holding component 6. The boreholes 15, 15 a, 15 b can penetrate the cap 5 or be configured as blind holes.

FIG. 11 shows an isometric representation of the second alternative embodiment of the device 1 with two of the three spigots 14, 14 a and the corresponding boreholes 15, 15 a 15 b. It can be seen that the support component 22 has roughly the same thickness (in the axial direction of the device 1) as the ring 10 and the tension spring 11, this being due to its function as a stabilizing element. By contrast, the two support surfaces 21 a, 21 b are of significantly flatter configuration, since they serve only as the support surface for the cap 5.

The device 1 can be made of the same transparent (plastics) material as the previously described devices 1′, 1″, in particular the cap 5 of the device 1. As also in the case of the devices 1′, 1″, the device 1 is not, however, limited thereto. A representation of the device 1 in the golf hole 2 is dispensed with for reasons of clarity. It should merely be noted that the device 1 can be arranged in the golf hole 2 in a manner comparable with the device 1′.

In FIG. 12, a third alternative embodiment of the device 1′″ is represented in its mounted state in the golf hole 2 in a cross section. The device 1′″ comprises a circular cap 5 as the closure component 5, and an annular holding component 6, which, in contrast the previously described embodiments (FIGS. 1-11), exerts no radial holding force on the wall 9 of the golf hole 2. It lies within the scope of the invention, however, that the holding component 6 additionally generates a holding force onto the wall 9 of the golf hole 2.

The holding component 6 is configured such that an external diameter of the holding component 6 roughly corresponds to an internal diameter of the golf hole 2, so that the device 1′″ is insertable into the golf hole 2 substantially without (radial) play. The holding component 6 hence serves for a (radial) fixing of the device 1′″ in the golf hole 2. The external diameter of the holding component 6 can also be somewhat greater than the internal diameter of the golf hole 2, so that the holding component 5, as a result of its radial oversize, exerts a radial holding force on the wall 9 of the golf hole 2.

The cap 5 has in a marginal region a circumferential radial projection 26, which, in the mounted state of the device 1′″, rests on a top edge 4 of the golf hole 2 and thus positions the device 1′″ axially in the golf hole 2. A radial extent of the projection 26 can measure, without being limited thereto, roughly 5 mm. The projection 26 is configured comparatively thin so as to present only a negligible obstacle for the golf ball rolling over the device 1′″ and to only marginally influence the rolling motion thereof.

The cap 5 is located, as can be seen in FIG. 12, essentially below (in the direction of the center axis MA) the top edge 4 of the golf hole 2. A region of the cap 5 which is located above the top edge 4 of the golf hole 2 has roughly a height which is comparable with a height of the projection 26. The relevant height can measure, without limitation, roughly 0.5. mm. In other words, the device 1′″ has a substantially plane top side 3 or the transition between projection 26 and cap 5 is realized without an elevation or lowering. In a radial marginal region, the projection 26 has a ramp-like, radially running bevel, which serves to minimize as far as possible an influence on the rolling motion of the golf ball.

FIG. 13 shows an isometric representation of the third alternative embodiment of the device 1′″ according to FIG. 12. Clearly visible are the cylindrical or annular holding component 6 and the projection 26, which latter runs fully circumferentially in a marginal region of the cap 5 and is provided and configured to rest on the top edge 4 of the golf hole 2.

The device 1′″ is made of an optically transparent (plastics) material, yet is by no means limited thereto. Cap 5 and holding component 6 are in the present case configured as a single-part element, without, however, being limited thereto. It equally lies within the scope of the invention if cap 5 and holding component 6 are configured as separate elements which can be configured such that they are connectable, for instance, by means of a spigot. The provision of a stiffening component 8 to increase the rigidity of the cap 5 is also possible. 

1. A device (1, 1′, 1″, 1′″) for covering a golf hole (2), the device comprising: a planar top side (3), the device (1, 1′, 1″, 1′″) is adapted to be arranged substantially within the golf hole (2) and is configured to reversibly cover the golf hole (2), and the device (1, 1′, 1″, 1′″) is configured such that the planar top side (3) terminates flush with a top edge (4) of the golf hole (2) in an inserted position.
 2. The device (1, 1′, 1″, 1′″) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a closure component (5) that is configured to close off the golf hole (2), and a holding component (6) configured to hold the device (1, 1′, 1″, 1′″) in a predetermined position in the golf hole (2).
 3. The device (1, 1′, 1″, 1′″) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the closure component (5) comprises a recess (7) for raising the device (1, 1′, 1″, 1′″) out of the golf hole (2).
 4. The device (1′) as claimed in claim 2, further comprising an additional stiffening component (8) for increasing a rigidity of the closure component (5), the additional stiffening component including: a first stiffening rib (8 a) and a second stiffening rib (8 b), said first and second stiffening ribs (8 a, 8 b) are arranged in a cross shape, a third stiffening rib (8 c) arranged concentrically to a center point (M) of the closure component (5), and a fourth stiffening rib comprised of a multi-interrupted ring including partial ribs (24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d) arranged concentrically to the center point (M) of the closure component (5).
 5. The device (1, 1′, 1″) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the holding component (6) is configured to generate a holding force (F_(hold)) radially outwardly against a wall (9) of the golf hole (2) by a spring action.
 6. The device (1) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the holding component (6) comprises a circumferentially extending, at least singly interrupted, spring ring having at least two spring legs (10 a, 10 b).
 7. The device (1) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the holding component (6) has an additional spring leg (11) for clamping the holding component (6), said additional spring leg (11) is arranged in a region (13) lying opposite a gap (12) between the two spring legs (10 a, 10 b).
 8. The device (1) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the holding component (6) and the closure component (5) are configured as separate constituent parts and are connectable to one another.
 9. The device (1) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the holding component (6) includes a projection (14, 14 a, 14 b) protruding upward therefrom in an axial direction of the device (1), said projection (14, 14 a, 14 b) is configured to engage in a corresponding recess (15, 15 a, 15 b) in the closure component (5).
 10. The device (1, 1′) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the closure component (5) is configured to close off the golf hole (2), and the holding component (5), which is configured to hold the device (1) in a predetermined position in the golf hole (2), the holding component (5) comprises at least two, mutually spaced spring legs (16, 16 a, 16 b, 16 c), which are arranged, respectively in pairs, diametrically with respect to a center axis (MA) of the device (1′) and point downward away from the closure component (5) and the holding component (6) in a direction of the center axis (MA) of the device 1′, and which are configured to generate a radial holding force (F_(hold)).
 11. The device (1′, 1″, 1′″) as claimed in at least claim 2, wherein the holding component (6) and the closure component (5) are configured as a single-part element.
 12. The device (1′″) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the closure element (5) has in a marginal region at least one projection (26) configured to rest on a putting green in the inserted position.
 13. The device (1, 1′, 1″, 1′″) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device is formed substantially of at least one transparent material.
 14. A golf hole (2) having a device (1, 1′, 1″, 1′″) for covering the golf hole (2) as claimed in claim
 1. 15. The golf hole (2) as claimed in claim 14, further comprising a cylindrical component (27) inserted in the golf hole, which, forms a shoulder upwardly in an axial direction of the golf hole (2), and the shoulder (18), which is encompassing in a circumferential direction of the cylindrical component (27).
 16. The golf hole (2) as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a sleeve (20) arranged in an upper region (19) of the golf hole (2), said sleeve acts as a wall (9) of the golf hole (2).
 17. The golf hole (2) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the device (1, 1′, 1″) is configured to exert a radial holding force (F_(hold)) on the sleeve (20).
 18. The golf hole (2) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the closure component includes at least one projection (26) that rests on a putting green surrounding the golf hole (2). 